Lemuria – The Fallen Civilization (Solo Version) by Csaba Zoltan Marjan

A title often provides a story that describes a work or gives insight to the style of music that will be presented in the composition. The title and musical writing of this piece are quite successful in capturing the mythical theory of a region or culture that sinks beneath the sea. The composer presents the work in three parts, starting with a rather short first section that is slow with four-mallet rolls. These rolls start as long lines, then move into an arpeggio section presenting intervals that will follow in later passages. This opening section is warm and beautifully scored. The second section contains passages that grow in intensity and are frantic at times. This could be interpreted as the panic that would take place as a culture or continent fails. This section concludes with a cadenza that leads to a quiet and calm conclusion.

There are technical and musical challenges found in each section. Nearly every stroke-type is required with suggested stickings on some of the more difficult passages. The rhythmic material is often complex, with numerous meter changes and key centers moving throughout the work. Sixteenth notes appear in many forms and groupings, with themes coming forth through the use of shifting accents and cross rhythms.